The problem

In recent years, significant advances have been made in understanding the genome and functional genetic structure of a wide variety of animals, including many of importance to aquaculture. While the scientific relevance of this new information is widely understood, its uptake and application within the aquaculture industry is still in its infancy. If aquaculture is to attain its full potential this scientific knowledge and expertise must be transferred to industry as soon as possible.

Overview:

To advance the transfer of scientific knowledge and the application of genomic research by industry, AQUAGENOME will:

• Evaluate new bio-information resources, genomic research and expertise across Europe and internationally
• Prioritise the genomic approaches that will best support the European aquaculture industry
• Encourage the application of genomic approaches within research laboratories
• Support exchanges and collaborations of scientists, genomic resources and industry partners
• Facilitate the effective application of genomic methods and knowledge to encourage a sustainable aquaculture industry

Contribution to policy development:

• The project will inform future debate and decisions surrounding animal welfare and the ethics of aquaculture.
• Improved knowledge and application of current genomic research findings will optimise European aquaculture and contribute to a sustainable future.
• Targeted application of research results can improve the nutrition of aquaculture animals and their resistance to pests, parasites and disease.
• Experience gained in the aquaculture sector can be used to advance other animal production sectors, and vice versa.

Project deliverables

• Review of available resources and needs and appropriate links on the website – December 2007
• State-of-the-art and the future of genomics in aquaculture research – October 2007
• Opportunities and prioritised needs on the application of genomic approaches across aquaculture research fields – December 2007
• Prioritised needs for further development of genomics resources and methods in European Aquaculture – December 2008
• Scientific opportunities and suggested research priorities to meet of the industrial challenges and technological prospects – December 2008
• Conclusions and Policy Implementation Plan – December 2008

Dissemination

• Project website with background information, aims, personnel, programme and project reports – ongoing
• Presentation of findings to workshops, symposia and other meetings – as opportunities arise
• Participation of students and young researchers through mobility grants
• Key briefing notes for aquaculture sector to ensure they are informed of progress – as needed

Technical information

Project acronym: AQUAGENOME
Project’s official full title: Genomics in fish and shellfish: from research to aquaculture
Research priority: Modernisation and sustainability of fisheries, including aquaculture-based production systems
Specific webpage: http://www.aquaculture-europe.org/
Proposal/contract no: 044481
Start date: January 2007
Kick off meeting: January 2007
Completion date: December 2008
European Commission scientific officer: Jacques Fuchs, Jacques.FUCHS@ec.europa.eu

Coordinator: Dr. Patrick PRUNET, Patrick.Prunet@rennes.inra.fr
Name: Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique
Abbreviated name: INRA
Address: INRA-SCRIBE, Groupe de Physiologie du Stress et de l’Adaptation chez les Poissons, campus de Beaulieu, 35042 Rennes Cedex
Country: France
Tel: +33 (0)2 23 48 50 14
Fax: + 33 (0)2 23 48 50 20
Website: www.inra.fr

Partners

Name: University of Stirling
Abbreviated name: UoS
Country: United Kingdom

Name: Genesis Faraday
Abbreviated name: GFP
Country: United Kingdom         

Name: Hellenic Centre for Marine Research
Abbreviated name: HCMR
Country: Greece 

Name: Syndicat des Sélectionneurs Avicoles et Aquacoles Français
Abbreviated name: SYSAAF
Country: France

Name: Zoological Institute of Göteborg University
Abbreviated name: UGOT
Country: Sweden           

Name: Algarve University
Abbreviated name: CCMAR
Country: Portugal

Name: Institute of Marine Research
Abbreviated name: IMR
Country: Norway           

Name: Instituto Investigaciones Marinas
Abbreviated name: CSIC
Country: Spain   

Name: Russian Federal Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography
Abbreviated name: VNIRO
Country: Russia